PhD Day 2025 - Mind Your Gap: Boost Communication, Connection & Collaboration
On June 26, 2025, the 11th edition of the GSLS PhD Day took place. Mind your gap! That was the theme of the GSLS PhD day this year. It was all about collaborating, communicating and connecting with others, be it with colleagues, other PhD candidates, or with yourself.
Joyce Beuken, journalist and freelance writer for different organisations, opened the first keynote. She emphasised the power of words, how simplicity is not the same as ‘dumbing down’, and how to make people actually listen to you by ‘hooking’ them with something that is relevant to them and by storytelling. Her humor combined with valuable insights set the tone for an inspiring day!
After this kick-off, participants chose from a selection of dynamic, interactive workshops. Five enthusiastic trainers gave separate workshops on changing habits, on the imposter monsters in your head, on knowing when jargon and acronyms are your friend or foe, on how to speak to be heard, and lastly, on how to make sure that your findings really stick with your audience and have impact.
Keynote Edith Bosch, former Olympic judoka and candidate of Expeditie Robinson and Special Forces, closed the day by encouraging everyone to look in the mirror, face their fears and take 100% responsibility of their own behavior, in order to progress and to better collaborate with others.
We think it was a very successful day where PhD candidates were inspired to improve their communication, connection and collaboration skills in the future. They left with new insights, energy, and tools to grow as a researcher.
See you next year!